Dempsey backtracks on road funds

TRANSPORT Minister Noel Dempsey has asked all local authorities to seek funding “over and above” normal levels in an attempt to address the damage caused to Irish roads by the winter weather.

Despite insisting just a fortnight ago that no extra resources would be made available, the minister appeared to backtrack on the claim.

In a statement to the Irish Examiner, a Department of Transport spokesperson confirmed that due to the “November flooding and recent severe weather” councils have been asked to provide cost assessments “over and above their normal winter maintenance expenditure”.